Whether you’re starting out in the job market or looking for a different career, it’s a smart idea to research what’s in demand. The higher the demand, the more likely it is to find training, certifications and strong career opportunities. In the last few years, there has been a steady rise in demand for trained plumbers. While you might not have considered plumbing jobs until now, this career path has a lot to offer.

As a skilled trade offering an essential service, it’s frequently very easy for plumbers to find steady work throughout the country. But if you’re still uncertain, let’s take a closer look. We’ll review the skills plumbers need and the services they’re expected to offer alongside average salaries and benefits. With a little more information, you can better understand why plumbing jobs are in such high demand right now.

What Services Do Plumbers Provide? What Experience Do They Need?

When most people think of plumbers, they think of residential services such as removing a clog or repairing a leaky pipe. While those skills are beneficial for many types of plumbers, their skills can include a much broader variety of services.

Their skill set includes a diverse set of services like repair, installation and maintenance for plumbing fixtures and equipment as well as the pipes themselves. These services may be for potable water, gas lines, wastewater and much more. Depending on the specific discipline, plumbers can also be trained to work with drainage systems, at water treatment plants and even in industrial manufacturing!

But whatever the plumber is trained for, their job focuses on keeping things flowing steadily. Like other utilities, plumbing and piping systems are often required to work 24 hours a day. To ensure efficient and reliable plumbing, plumbers complete training and professional certification.

What Are the Steps to Starting a Plumbing Career?

There are lots of ways to become a professional plumber. Community colleges, trade schools, industry organizations and even high school programs often offer core elements of the knowledge and training plumbers will need. Through these programs, people are granted a plumber apprenticeship.

These apprenticeships are essentially a form of “plumbing school” and are set up to prepare you for full-time employment. They’ll offer in-classroom education as well as on-the-job training monitored by experienced plumbers. Depending on the program you enroll in, these apprenticeships may take anywhere close to 2 to 5 years to finish. This time is vital to ensure apprentice plumbers build strong competency concerning the tools, procedures and safety precautions they need to get the job done properly.

As plumbers become more experienced, they can advance through formal certification and accreditation programs. Through advanced education and testing, a plumber can become a journeyman and even a master in their field. With these advanced certifications come more complex responsibilities, but an increase in available salaries and benefits as well.

Is Plumbing a High-Salary Career?

While the salary of plumbing jobs ultimately depends on location and experience, averages frequently hover around more than $50,000 each year. This will vary from state to state. An important distinction to make is that since plumbing careers often provide paid on-the-job training, even apprentices are being compensated for their time. Meanwhile, applicants in many other fields often have to wait until their education or training is over before they start receiving a salary and benefits.

What’s more, many plumbers offer emergency support for nights and weekends or take on extra projects for overtime pay. This bolsters compensation, especially for specialized skills and certifications. And because plumbing is such an essential service, struggling to find steady work is rare. These things make a career as a professional plumber an excellent option for those seeking reliable and consistent work.

Is Plumbing Your Next Career?

A plumber should be in good physical condition, as jobs may involve lifting heavy objects, standing for extended periods of time and navigating cramped spaces. And if a job takes place outdoors, poor or inclement weather can affect the process. But by taking proper precautions, plumbers can avoid disruptions and ensure the benefits outweigh these concerns.

Professional plumbers are trained experts who provide an invaluable service for countless homes, businesses and other commercial properties. It may be a lucrative career, especially for specialists and master plumbers who are more and more involved in the design and engineering of plumbing systems. Thanks to multiple factors, plumbing jobs are likely to be on the rise for years to come. If you choose to pursue a career as a professional plumber, finding a permanent position might be easier than you think.

Why Is the Demand for Plumbers So High?

There are many reasons plumbers are currently in high demand, including:

  • Plumbing systems are a needed utility: Plumbing has existed for hundreds if not thousands of years, and that’s not going to change. As long as pipes, fixtures and plumbing systems need installation and servicing, trained plumbers will be there to help.
  • An increase in construction and renovation projects: As construction winds back up, designing and installing new plumbing systems will too. Additionally, advances in water conservation and plumbing technology ensures an active retrofitting aspect of the industry.
  • The recent infrastructure stimulus package: The U.S. government recently created a comprehensive stimulus package designed to improve key infrastructure such as roads and utilities. As new piping is built or old piping is replaced, expert plumbers will be leading the way.

As you can see, a career as a professional plumber can be a great opportunity. There is a high demand for quality plumbers in every corner of the country, with competitive compensation and easy access to professional development programs. To learn about local plumbing jobs in Mission Viejo, why not get in touch with a local service company like 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning? You can find out the details about available positions by giving us a call at 949-762-8644 today.